Result of Service

The incumbent will be responsible for all aspects and analysis of the perception surveys. The purpose of the perception surveys is to examine the expectations and needs of the target audience in relation to local services, as well as their attitudes and awareness of key concepts of local governance. In addition to identifying the issues and concerns that need the most consideration or attention, this analysis will also identify broad patterns in the public’s expectations of the operation and provision of local government services.

Work Location

Remotely

Expected duration

4 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

As part of its mandate to promote human development and democratic transition in the Arab region, and as a response to the dire conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN- ESCWA) launched the National Agenda for the Future of Syria (NAFS) in 2012, to serve as a trusted platform for dialogue for a network of Syrian stakeholders coming from different walks of life and from across the political spectrum. Since its inception, inclusivity, Syrian ownership, impartiality, conflict sensitivity, advocacy, and relevance have been the key principles guiding the work of NAFS. Its inclusive and technical approach has set the Programme apart from other platforms and has enabled it to succeed in bringing together a wide spectrum of Syrians to develop policy alternatives on the most pressing economic, social, and governance issues, in the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

As part of its programme, NAFS has been working on options for the future of local governance and its framework, following a political settlement based on United Nations Security Council resolution 2254. This work requires a deep understanding of the local governance dynamic and system in the country, including challenges and opportunities in the implementation of decentralization reforms enacted, through Law 107. In the framework of supporting resilience and early recovery, working on local government and access to local services is key. For this purpose, NAFS is looking to commission a study analyzing public perception surveys on local needs and services.

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager of the National Agenda for Syria Programme and the direct supervision of the NAFS governance lead, the consultant will be responsible for the following duties:
– Develop a review of available literature and sources relevant to the topic.
– Develop survey questions.
– Identify respondents selected to provide a representative sample of the population.
– Define the methodology and identify ways and means of conducting the survey and collecting data.
– Conduct a public survey covering around 1200 Syrians in urban and rural centers of specific areas of the country.
– Conduct In-depth interviews with up to 15 sector-specific experts and researchers (this includes identifying LoPs, etc…).
– Based on the outcomes of the polling, compile and develop an analytical report of no longer than 40 pages.
– If deemed necessary, focus group interviews to engage with people in order to better understand their experts’ views and supplement the use of survey questionnaires.

Qualifications/special skills

A first-level degree in economics, law, political science, political economy, development studies, social studies, or a related area is required.

All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

A minimum of 10 years of experience in local government legal frameworks, public surveys or in a related field is required.
Proven knowledge of the Syrian conflict is required.
Proven knowledge and experience in researching issues on governance and the rule of law is desirable.
Established publications record is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and Arabic is the working language of ESCWA.

For this position, fluency in Arabic is required; knowledge of English is desirable.

Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand), and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.